Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf

Name: Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 2 lemons; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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I absolutely love baking this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf because it combines my favorite citrus flavor with a moist texture that's hard to resist. Each bite is bursting with bright lemon zest and a creamy richness from the cottage cheese. I've made it for brunch gatherings and casual get-togethers, and it’s always a hit. The best part is that the recipe is simple yet delivers a show-stopping result, making it perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into this delightful loaf!

Created by

Maeve Colchester

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:53:34.455Z

I've experimented with various lemon cake recipes over the years, but this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf stands out because it remains moist and flavorful without being overly sweet. The addition of cottage cheese not only enriches the texture but also increases the protein content, making it a guilt-free treat. I often add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

One tip I've learned is to make sure the lemon zest is fresh; it truly elevates the overall taste. Incorporating the zest with the sugar while mixing helps release the essential oils, enhancing the citrus aroma even more. This loaf is delightful with a cup of tea or coffee!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Refreshing lemon flavor that brightens your day
Moist texture courtesy of cottage cheese
Easy-to-make with simple ingredients

      

Ingredient Spotlight: Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in this loaf, providing not only moisture but also protein and a subtle creaminess. Its slightly tangy flavor complements the bright lemon zest perfectly, creating a balanced taste profile. When using cottage cheese, choose a full-fat version for a richer texture, or low-fat if you're looking to lighten it up. Make sure to blend it well with the other wet ingredients to achieve a smooth batter.

For those avoiding dairy, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative such as silken tofu blended to a smooth consistency. This swap still retains some creaminess, ensuring your loaf stays moist while being dairy-free. However, be mindful that the flavor profile may shift slightly, so using a splash of lemon extract can help enhance the citrus notes.

Temperature and Timing: Perfecting Your Bake

Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving a loaf that's both beautifully risen and perfectly baked. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to reach this temperature fully before placing your loaf inside. This ensures that the batter starts cooking right away, promoting even rising and a nice golden crust. If you find your loaf browning too quickly, covering it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking can help prevent over-browning while allowing the inside to cook through.

After baking for about 50 minutes, you can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your loaf is ready. If there's wet batter on the toothpick, give it an additional 5 minutes and check again. Be careful not to overbake as this can lead to a dry loaf; taking it out at the right time ensures a moist and tender crumb.

Serving and Storing Your Lemon Loaf

Once your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf has cooled, it can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a delightful serving suggestion, try slicing it and spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or lemon curd on top for added richness and tang. This gives a lovely contrast to the moist loaf and enhances the lemony flavor. It's perfect for brunches or afternoon tea where a small drizzle of honey can also add a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

If you have leftovers, storing them properly is key. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Simply wrap them in parchment paper followed by plastic wrap. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently rewarm in the oven at a low temperature to restore its delightful texture.

Ingredients

For the Loaf

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.

Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until fully combined.

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled loaf.

Troubleshooting Your Loaf

If your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf doesn’t rise as expected, one common issue could be expired baking powder or baking soda. Always check the freshness of your leavening agents before starting. Also, ensure that you're not overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser loaf. Fold until just combined to retain lightness in the final product.

Another potential problem is a sunken middle after baking. This can occur if the batter is too wet or if there’s not enough structure from the flour. To address this, make sure to accurately measure your flour and consider adding a tablespoon or two more if the batter appears too thin before baking.

Variations to Try

While this lemon loaf is absolutely delightful as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup of poppy seeds or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds before pouring the batter into the loaf pan. This will give a wonderful crunch and variation in flavor with every bite.

To introduce a different fruity twist, consider adding blueberries or raspberries to the batter. These berries pair nicely with the lemon and can create a deliciously vibrant contrast both in flavor and appearance. Just be sure to coat them in a bit of flour before adding to avoid sinking to the bottom of the loaf.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

While cottage cheese is recommended for its creaminess, ricotta cheese can be a good alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf?

Yes, you can freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.

→ What can I serve with this loaf?

This loaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.